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UNITED series celebrates the impact of football clubs and community trusts across Scotland

February 16, 2026

The SPFL, SWPL and SPFL Trust have launched their latest campaign of the UNITED content series, celebrating the vital work of football clubs and community trusts supporting communities across Scotland.
The UNITED: Football in the Community campaign showcases how clubs and associated community trusts (ATCs) have become increasingly important within their local areas, delivering programmes that support people’s health, wellbeing, social connection, education and inclusion, while helping to strengthen communities nationwide.
Through programmes run by clubs and trusts, thousands of people benefit each year, and this campaign shines a light on the efforts of individuals, clubs, and trusts in towns and cities throughout the country.
Features include Celtic star Auston Trusty meeting a participant in Celtic FC Foundation’s Ability Counts project, which supports people with autism and down syndrome through sport, teamwork and employability skills.
Rangers Charity Foundation’s community initiatives are showcased, with a particular focus on how community assistant Jordan Shennan has overcome challenges to thrive in her role in delivering a variety of programmes at the charity, which is visited by players from Rangers’ men’s and women’s teams.
A dedicated community trust matchday at Aberdeen’s William Hill Premiership fixture against Dundee on Saturday, which will celebrate the work of Aberdeen FC Community Trust and Dundee FC Community Trust will also be featured and see multigenerational matchday mascots representing young schoolkids up to pensioners.
The impact of Spartans Community Foundation in the Pilton community will be highlighted through an episode focused on Spartans Women’s first team captain, Robyn McCafferty and the work she carries out as Education Officer for the charity.
SPFL Trust’s recently published 2024–25 annual report highlights the scale of the wider impact of community trusts, with a network of 46 ATCs across the SPFL and SWPL. More than 800 people are employed by ATCs across Scotland, supported by a further 1,450 volunteers who gave their time throughout the season.
Together, this nationwide network spans the length and breadth of the country, with each club and trust acting as a cornerstone for positive change in its community.
Nicky Reid, SPFL Trust Chief Executive, said: “The impact delivered by associated community trusts across Scotland is extraordinary, with more than 800 staff and 1,450 volunteers supporting programmes nationwide. Football plays a vital role in tackling some of our country’s great challenges, with our trusts and clubs helping to promote health, wellbeing and inclusion. UNITED: Football in the Community gives us the chance to celebrate the incredible people and partnerships behind this amazing work.”
Neil Doncaster, SPFL Group Chief Executive, commented: “Football clubs are at the heart of communities across Scotland, and the work delivered by clubs and their associated trusts changes lives every day. From improving health and wellbeing to creating opportunities in education and inclusion, their impact reaches far beyond the pitch. This campaign is a fantastic opportunity to recognise the staff and volunteers who make that possible across the country.”
Fiona McIntyre, SWPL Managing Director, added: “Across the SWPL, clubs and their community foundations are creating opportunities for women and girls as well as strengthening local connections. This is something that we are extremely proud of. UNITED: Football in the Community highlights how football inspires and makes a meaningful difference in communities across Scotland.”
Clubs and ATCs across the country will be sharing features on their work during this campaign, and videos can be watched on SPFL, SWPL and SPFL Trust social channels across the rest of this week.
This is the latest campaign of the UNITED content series from the wider SPFL Group, following the UNITED We Stand series in October 2025, which supported Black History Month and complemented Show Racism the Red Card’s weekend of action, celebrating the rich mix of nationalities, cultures and backgrounds that make Scottish football so vibrant.

Categories: Press Releases

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